YouTube footage shows the fan jump out of the stands and "low blow" Orton, who was standing on the turnbuckle, from behind. The way the attack occurred, as Orton's music cut off during the attack, made it pass for part of the show, but the WWE quickly issued a statement confirming it wasn't staged.

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"WWE.com has learned that Randy Orton was violently attacked by an audience member during a SmackDown World Tour Live Event in Cape Town, South Africa, yesterday evening. Footage of the attack was captured by a WWE fan and posted to YouTube, and shows the perpetrator striking The Viper from behind. Orton reportedly suffered an injured groin in the attack but is well enough to have performed tonight in South Africa.

"The matter is currently under investigation by the local authorities, and the South African fan is being held in jail pending criminal charges," the statement said.

Ironically, Orton's character "The Viper" is known often to strike his opponents when they least expect it and from behind, utilizing his 3/4 neckbreaker, "The RKO," to get the three-count. His other finishing move, "The Punt Kick," has Orton run at a downed opponent and kick them in the skull.

Before the event, WWE stars had a meet and greet with Cape Town fans. After the show several WWE stars tweeted about Orton's confrontation.

That's not exactly what we mean by "intimate fan experience." #WWECapeTown